CHELSEA RATINGS: Kepa Arrizabalaga - 6 Started well by making a good save but ended the half by conceding a goal from a free-kick. Got called into action just once in the second half and made a good save. Reuters
CHELSEA RATINGS: Kepa Arrizabalaga - 6 Started well by making a good save but ended the half by conceding a goal from a free-kick. Got called into action just once in the second half and made a good save. Reuters
Cesar Azpilicueta - 6 Was having a solid game on the right wing until he needlessly tripped Perraud to concede the free-kick that led to the goal. Got more involved in attack as the second half wore on and had some chances. Had to leave the field with what looked like a serious head injury. AP
Cesar Azpilicueta - 6 Was having a solid game on the right wing until he needlessly tripped Perraud to concede the free-kick that led to the goal. Got more involved in attack as the second half wore on and had some chances. Had to leave the field with what looked like a serious head injury. AP
Ben Chilwell - 6 Looked like an upgrade on Cucurella. He got forward well and was assured on the ball. He also combined well with Fofana in front of him. EPA
Ben Chilwell - 6 Looked like an upgrade on Cucurella. He got forward well and was assured on the ball. He also combined well with Fofana in front of him. EPA
Benoit Badiashile - 5 Had a shaky first half and guilty of not being aware of his surroundings a number of times. He also didn't look like the confident, self-assured player he has proven to be since he joined the Blues. Played better after Fofana was introduced. AP
Benoit Badiashile - 5 Had a shaky first half and guilty of not being aware of his surroundings a number of times. He also didn't look like the confident, self-assured player he has proven to be since he joined the Blues. Played better after Fofana was introduced. AP
Kalidou Koulibaly - 6 Looked the more assured of the Blues’ centrebacks. He defended well, looked comfortable in possession, and cleared a ball off the line early in the game. Reuters
Kalidou Koulibaly - 6 Looked the more assured of the Blues’ centrebacks. He defended well, looked comfortable in possession, and cleared a ball off the line early in the game. Reuters
Mateo Kovacic - 7 A busy day in the middle for the Croatian midfielder. Helped out in defence by making last-ditch tackles and clearing the lines. AFP
Mateo Kovacic - 7 A busy day in the middle for the Croatian midfielder. Helped out in defence by making last-ditch tackles and clearing the lines. AFP
Enzo Fernandez - 6 Worked hard and kept things simple in the middle. The presence of Kovacic in midfield gave him more freedom to move forward. EPA
Enzo Fernandez - 6 Worked hard and kept things simple in the middle. The presence of Kovacic in midfield gave him more freedom to move forward. EPA
Noni Madueke - 5 Was bright from the start. Denied by an impressive save from Bazunu in the 13th minute. His trickery caused problems for the Saints backline, but he lacked the final pass to create openings for his teammates. EPA
Noni Madueke - 5 Was bright from the start. Denied by an impressive save from Bazunu in the 13th minute. His trickery caused problems for the Saints backline, but he lacked the final pass to create openings for his teammates. EPA
Joao Felix - 5 Starting in the No 9 position, was less involved in build-up play and he cut a frustrated figure. EPA
Joao Felix - 5 Starting in the No 9 position, was less involved in build-up play and he cut a frustrated figure. EPA
Mason Mount - 5 Another game where Mount worked his socks off but proved to be ineffective going forward. Has to do better if he is to claim a spot in the first XI. PA
Mason Mount - 5 Another game where Mount worked his socks off but proved to be ineffective going forward. Has to do better if he is to claim a spot in the first XI. PA
David Fofana - 6 It was a surprise to see him hooked at half-time as he was a thorn in the Saints defence. Positioned on the right side of the attack, held up the ball well and ran at opposition defenders with pace. AFP
David Fofana - 6 It was a surprise to see him hooked at half-time as he was a thorn in the Saints defence. Positioned on the right side of the attack, held up the ball well and ran at opposition defenders with pace. AFP
SUBS: Raheem Sterling (David Fofana, 46) - 6 Lively and should have scored twice but was denied by goal-line clearances. He seemed to enjoy playing on the right side of the attack. AP
SUBS: Raheem Sterling (David Fofana, 46) - 6 Lively and should have scored twice but was denied by goal-line clearances. He seemed to enjoy playing on the right side of the attack. AP
Wesley Fofana (Koulibaly, 46) - 7 Calmly went about his business as he snuffed out attacks and made last-ditch tackles. Getty
Wesley Fofana (Koulibaly, 46) - 7 Calmly went about his business as he snuffed out attacks and made last-ditch tackles. Getty
Kai Havertz (Mason Mount, 64) - 6 Should have shot instead of playing a pass to Sterling in the 68th minute. Created another good chance via a cross, which was cleared off the line in the 70th minute. Reuters
Kai Havertz (Mason Mount, 64) - 6 Should have shot instead of playing a pass to Sterling in the 68th minute. Created another good chance via a cross, which was cleared off the line in the 70th minute. Reuters
Mykhailo Mudryk (Madueke, 64) - 5 Didn't provide the kind of positive impact Graham Potter would have expected. Struggled against Maitland-Niles and seemed devoid of ideas when he got on the ball. Getty
Mykhailo Mudryk (Madueke, 64) - 5 Didn't provide the kind of positive impact Graham Potter would have expected. Struggled against Maitland-Niles and seemed devoid of ideas when he got on the ball. Getty
Trevor Chalobah (Azpilicueta, 84) - N/A Brought on to help stop counterattacks as the Blues chased the game. Conor Gallagher (Ben Chilwell, 84) - N/A. Getty
Trevor Chalobah (Azpilicueta, 84) - N/A Brought on to help stop counterattacks as the Blues chased the game. Conor Gallagher (Ben Chilwell, 84) - N/A. Getty
SOUTHAMPTON RATINGS: Gavin Bazunu - 9 Man-of-the-match display to deny the Blues. He was a commanding presence and helped relieve pressure by repeatedly coming out to claim crosses. EPA
SOUTHAMPTON RATINGS: Gavin Bazunu - 9 Man-of-the-match display to deny the Blues. He was a commanding presence and helped relieve pressure by repeatedly coming out to claim crosses. EPA
Romain Perraud - 8 Almost cost his team a goal when he got outmuscled by Madueke. More than made up for it in the second half by clearing a Sterling shot off the line. Kept up his impressive second-half performance by making several last-ditch tackles. PA
Romain Perraud - 8 Almost cost his team a goal when he got outmuscled by Madueke. More than made up for it in the second half by clearing a Sterling shot off the line. Kept up his impressive second-half performance by making several last-ditch tackles. PA
Ainsley Maitland-Niles - 8 The loanee from Arsenal had heart-in-mouth moment early in the second half when he was shrugged off the ball by Sterling to create an opening. Made amends by clearing a goal-bound shot from Sterling in the 68th minute. AP
Ainsley Maitland-Niles - 8 The loanee from Arsenal had heart-in-mouth moment early in the second half when he was shrugged off the ball by Sterling to create an opening. Made amends by clearing a goal-bound shot from Sterling in the 68th minute. AP
Jan Bednarek - 8 The decision to recall Bednarek from his loan spell early looked better every minute at Stamford Bridge. The tall centre-back was rock-solid in defence and displayed excellent leadership. He was strong in the air against Chelsea’s short forward line. Getty
Jan Bednarek - 8 The decision to recall Bednarek from his loan spell early looked better every minute at Stamford Bridge. The tall centre-back was rock-solid in defence and displayed excellent leadership. He was strong in the air against Chelsea’s short forward line. Getty
Armel Bella-Kotchap - 8 The 23-year-old looked like a veteran against a star-studded Chelsea frontline. The German youngster kept things simple and never seemed fazed by the late flurry of attacks. AFP
Armel Bella-Kotchap - 8 The 23-year-old looked like a veteran against a star-studded Chelsea frontline. The German youngster kept things simple and never seemed fazed by the late flurry of attacks. AFP
James Ward-Prowse - 9 Another day, another Ward-Prowse free-kick. His goal crowned what had been an impressive first-half performance from the Saints. Worked hard in the second half as the Blues piled on the pressure. AFP
James Ward-Prowse - 9 Another day, another Ward-Prowse free-kick. His goal crowned what had been an impressive first-half performance from the Saints. Worked hard in the second half as the Blues piled on the pressure. AFP
Romeo Lavia - 8 An energetic and explosive performance in the middle of the pitch. He wasn't afraid to go for 50/50 balls and won many of his duels. Celebrated like he had scored when he denied Sterling a second shot at an open goal in the second half. AP
Romeo Lavia - 8 An energetic and explosive performance in the middle of the pitch. He wasn't afraid to go for 50/50 balls and won many of his duels. Celebrated like he had scored when he denied Sterling a second shot at an open goal in the second half. AP
Mohamed Elyounoussi - 6 The winger worked hard on the left but was ineffective going forward. Struggled one v one against the experienced Azpilicueta and didn't put in enough balls for Onuachu. AFP
Mohamed Elyounoussi - 6 The winger worked hard on the left but was ineffective going forward. Struggled one v one against the experienced Azpilicueta and didn't put in enough balls for Onuachu. AFP
Kamal-Deen Sulemana - 6 Put pressure on Badiashile to create an early chance which got cleared off the line. Showed his trickery a number of times but lacked that extra bit of quality to take advantage of the good positions he found himself in. PA
Kamal-Deen Sulemana - 6 Put pressure on Badiashile to create an early chance which got cleared off the line. Showed his trickery a number of times but lacked that extra bit of quality to take advantage of the good positions he found himself in. PA
Stuart Armstrong - 6 Had a quiet first half until he was fouled for the Saints opener. Improved after half-time and kept things simple until he was replaced. Getty
Stuart Armstrong - 6 Had a quiet first half until he was fouled for the Saints opener. Improved after half-time and kept things simple until he was replaced. Getty
Paul Onuachu - 7 A menace to the Blues backline. The lanky striker constantly won aerial duels which helped bring his teammates into play. He also showed his nice range of touches with his feet and looked like a genuine threat up front. AFP
Paul Onuachu - 7 A menace to the Blues backline. The lanky striker constantly won aerial duels which helped bring his teammates into play. He also showed his nice range of touches with his feet and looked like a genuine threat up front. AFP
SUBS: Theo Walcott (Stuard Armstrong, 59) - 6 Used his pace well to beat Chilwell and create a chance for Armstrong in the 73rd minute. PA
SUBS: Theo Walcott (Stuard Armstrong, 59) - 6 Used his pace well to beat Chilwell and create a chance for Armstrong in the 73rd minute. PA
Adam Armstrong (Kamal-Deen Sulemana, 59) - 6 Could have done better when he was denied from point-blank range by Kepa in the 70th minute. AFP
Adam Armstrong (Kamal-Deen Sulemana, 59) - 6 Could have done better when he was denied from point-blank range by Kepa in the 70th minute. AFP
Sekou Mara (Onuachu, 59) - 5 Should have put the game to bed when he was played through on goal in the 96th minute. Getty
Sekou Mara (Onuachu, 59) - 5 Should have put the game to bed when he was played through on goal in the 96th minute. Getty
Carlos Alcarez (Elyounoussi, 87) - N/A Too late to make an impact. Lyanco (Niles, 90) - N/A. Getty
Carlos Alcarez (Elyounoussi, 87) - N/A Too late to make an impact. Lyanco (Niles, 90) - N/A. Getty

Sport

Football

Chelsea v Southampton player ratings: Joao Felix 5, Fernandez 6; Ward-Prowse 9, Lavia 8

James Ward-Prowse scored from a free kick on the stroke of half time to ensure Graham Potter’s team went a fourth consecutive match without a win in the league

Olakunle Afolabi

February 19, 2023

  • English
  • Arabic

Chelsea’s season sunk to a new low after the London club lost at home to last-placed Southampton in the Premier League on Saturday in a game that also saw Cesar Azpilicueta carried off on a stretcher with a head injury.

James Ward-Prowse scored from a free kick on the stroke of half time to ensure Graham Potter’s team went a fourth consecutive match without a win in the league.

READ MORE

Newcastle v Liverpool player ratings: Pope 4, Burn 5; Nunez 8, Alexander-Arnold 9

Five of Chelsea’s eight January signings were in the starting lineup and Potter saw them struggle to find any invention against a Saints side set up by interim boss Ruben Selles to frustrate the host's expensive ensemble.

Chelsea have scored just once at home in 2023, and the lack of a recognised striker was apparent yet again.

Southampton took the lead in a familiar fashion. Ward-Prowse’s free kick was the 17th he has scored from in the Premier League, putting him one behind David Beckham on the all-time list. This one arced over Chelsea’s wall and dropped crisply into the bottom corner beyond Kepa Arrizabalaga’s despairing dive.

Chelsea tried to respond after the break, but even the introduction of Kai Havertz and Mykhailo Mudryk failed to produce results while Chelsea was camped in Southampton’s defensive half for the final 30 minutes.

There was a 10-minute stoppage in play after Azpilicueta needed lengthy treatment after being hit in the head by an attempted overhead kick by Sékou Mara in the 74th minute.

Azpilicueta was taken off on a stretcher wearing a neck brace and breathing from an oxygen mask.

Whiile you're here
While you're here
Tearful appearance

Chancellor Rachel Reeves set markets on edge as she appeared visibly distraught in parliament on Wednesday. 

Legislative setbacks for the government have blown a new hole in the budgetary calculations at a time when the deficit is stubbornly large and the economy is struggling to grow. 

She appeared with Keir Starmer on Thursday and the pair embraced, but he had failed to give her his backing as she cried a day earlier.

A spokesman said her upset demeanour was due to a personal matter.

SPECS
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Gothia Cup 2025

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116 pitches

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Russia's Muslim Heartlands

Dominic Rubin, Oxford

MATCH INFO

Schalke 0

Werder Bremen 1 (Bittencourt 32')

Man of the match Leonardo Bittencourt (Werder Bremen)

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TALE OF THE TAPE

Manny Pacquiao
Record: 59-6-2 (38 KOs)
Age: 38
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Jeff Horn
Record: 16-0-1 (11 KOs)
Age: 29
Weight: 146.2lbs
Height: 175cm
Reach: 173cm

Oscars in the UAE

The 90th Academy Awards will be aired in the UAE from 3.30am on Monday, March 5 on OSN, with the ceremony starting at 5am

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Send “thenational” to the following numbers or call the hotline on: 0502955999
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RESULTS
%3Cp%3E%0D%3Cstrong%3E1.45pm%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Green%20Oasis%20Trading%20%E2%80%93%20Maiden%20(PA)%20Dh50%2C000%20(Dirt)%201%2C400m%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EWinner%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Meeqat%2C%20Saif%20Al%20Balushi%20(jockey)%2C%20Khalifa%20Al%20Neyadi%20(trainer)%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3E2.15pm%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EAl%20Shafar%20Investment%20%E2%80%93%20Maiden%20(TB)%20Dh60%2C000%20(D)%201%2C400m%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EWinner%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Flying%20Hunter%2C%20Ray%20Dawson%2C%20Ahmad%20bin%20Harmash%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3E2.45pm%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EThe%20Union%2051%20Cup%20%E2%80%93%20Handicap%20(TB)%20Dh84%2C000%20(D)%201%2C400m%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EWinner%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Ibra%20Attack%2C%20Adrie%20de%20Vries%2C%20Ahmed%20Al%20Shemaili%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3E3.15pm%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20ASCANA%20Thakaful%20%E2%80%93%20Maiden%20(TB)%20Dh60%2C000%20(D)%201%2C200m%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EWinner%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Onda%20Ruggente%2C%20Royston%20Ffrench%2C%20Salem%20bin%20Ghadayer%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3E3.45pm%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ECommercial%20Bank%20of%20Dubai%20%E2%80%93%20Handicap%20(TB)%20Dh76%2C000%20(D)%201%2C200m%0D%3Cbr%3EWinner%3A%20Dignity%20Joy%2C%20Antonio%20Fresu%2C%20Musabah%20Al%20Muhairi%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3E4.15pm%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EDubai%20Real%20Estate%20Centre%20%E2%80%93%20Handicap%20(TB)%20Dh76%2C000%20(D)%201%2C600m%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EWinner%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Tolmount%2C%20Xavier%20Ziani%2C%20Salem%20bin%20Ghadayer%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3E4.45pm%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EJebel%20Ali%20Racecourse%20%E2%80%93%20Handicap%20(TB)%20Dh84%2C000%20(D)%201%2C950m%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EWinner%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ERakeez%2C%20Tadhg%20O%E2%80%99Shea%2C%20Bhupat%20Seemar%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Key facilities
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KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
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War on waste
On Women's Day
KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
Bio:

Favourite Quote: Prophet Mohammad's quotes There is reward for kindness to every living thing and A good man treats women with honour

Favourite Hobby: Serving poor people 

Favourite Book: The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

Favourite food: Fish and vegetables

Favourite place to visit: London

Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
  • Priority access to new homes from participating developers
  • Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
  • Flexible payment plans from developers
  • Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
  • DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
While you're here
At a glance

Global events: Much of the UK’s economic woes were blamed on “increased global uncertainty”, which can be interpreted as the economic impact of the Ukraine war and the uncertainty over Donald Trump’s tariffs.

 

Growth forecasts: Cut for 2025 from 2 per cent to 1 per cent. The OBR watchdog also estimated inflation will average 3.2 per cent this year

 

Welfare: Universal credit health element cut by 50 per cent and frozen for new claimants, building on cuts to the disability and incapacity bill set out earlier this month

 

Spending cuts: Overall day-to day-spending across government cut by £6.1bn in 2029-30 

 

Tax evasion: Steps to crack down on tax evasion to raise “£6.5bn per year” for the public purse

 

Defence: New high-tech weaponry, upgrading HM Naval Base in Portsmouth

 

Housing: Housebuilding to reach its highest in 40 years, with planning reforms helping generate an extra £3.4bn for public finances

Updated: February 19, 2023, 5:53 AM`
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